The chemistry of iron | 16–18 years

Screenshots of the chemistry of iron teacher notes and student sheets and a carbon monoxide molecule

Source: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Practice questions give context to transition metal chemistry and equilibria using the examples of haemoglobin and iron

Use this resource when teaching transition metal chemistry and equilibria to provide your A-level (or equivalent) learners with practice questions spanning multiple topics. The four tasks cover complex ion bonding, ligand exchange, half-cell equations, redox potentials and oxidation states. Learners will develop their understanding and confidence in applying their knowledge by answering questions on haemoglobin – an iron(II) complex ion – and the ligands it binds (eg oxygen and carbon monoxide).

Make cross-curricular links with biology and environmental chemistry and highlight the need for research and development in finding solutions to complex long-term health issues, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. Learners could also investigate this topic as an individual research project in qualifications such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

Thanks for using the RSC’s education resources. You can view one resource per month as a visitor, or two resources per month when you’re logged in with a personal account.

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more: 

unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not a science teacher or technician based in the UK or Ireland? Don’t worry – you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.